The Garden of God: Toward A Human Ecology

Agricultural Work as an Objective Strategy of Growth and Integral Development

205 Hunger, Poverty & the Earth’s Resources sources from frenzied exploitation, since the consumer race and consequent waste appear to pay no attention at all to the genetic patrimony and biological differences that are so important for agricultural activities. Moreover, the idea of an exclusive appropriation of these resources is opposed to the call that God addresses to men and women, so that by tilling the earth and preserving it (cf. Gn 2:8–17) they may encourage participation in the use of the goods of creation, an aim that international multilateral activity and legislation can certainly contribute to achieve. In our era when, in addition to the numerous problems that besiege agricultural work there are new opportunities to contribute to resolving the drama of famine, you can strive to ensure that by guaranteeing the food that corresponds to their needs, each and every one may develop in accordance with their true dimension as creatures made in the likeness of God. This is the wish I would like to express as I invoke upon you and upon your work an abundance of divine blessings. Agricultural Work as an Objective Strategy of Growth and Integral Development From Message to Mr. Jacques Diouf, Director General of FAO, on the Occasion of World Food Day 2011, October 17, 2011 1. While the annual celebration of World Food Day wishes to commemorate the foundation of the FAO and its commitment to agricultural development to combat hunger and malnutrition , it is also an opportunity to emphasize the plight of so many of our brothers and sisters who lack daily bread. 206 Hunger, Poverty & the Earth’s Resources The painful images of the numerous victims of hunger in the Horn of Africa impress us, as every day another chapter is added to what is one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes in recent decades. Immediate aid is of course essential in the face of the death from starvation of entire communities obliged to abandon the land of their origins, but it is also necessary to intervene in the medium and long term so that international intervention is not limited to responding only to emergencies. The situation is increasingly complicated by the difficult crisis that is affecting different sectors of the economy worldwide and is hitting the most deprived, besides affecting agricultural production and the consequent possibility of access to foodstuffs . Nevertheless, the effort of the governments and of the other members of the international community must be oriented to efficient coordination, aware that liberation from the yoke of hunger is the first concrete expression of the right to life which, in spite of being solemnly proclaimed, is often very far from being effectively put into practice. 2. The theme chosen for this day, “Food Prices: From Crisis to Stability,” rightly invites us to reflect on the importance of the different factors that can provide individuals and the community with essential resources, starting with farming that must not be seen as a secondary activity but as the focus of every strategy of growth and integral development. This is even more important if we take into account that the availability of food is increasingly conditioned by the fluctuation of prices and sudden climate changes. At the same time we are seeing a steady abandonment of rural areas with a global decrease in agricultural production and therefore of food reserves. In addition, it seems, 207 Hunger, Poverty & the Earth’s Resources unfortunately, that here and there the idea of considering foodstuffs as any commercial product is spreading and therefore also subjected to speculation. The fact cannot be glossed over that despite the progress achieved to date and the promise of an economy that increasingly respects every person’s dignity, the future of the human family needs a new impetus if it is to overcome the current fragile and uncertain situation. Although we are living in a global dimension there are evident signs of the deep division between those who lack daily sustenance and those who have huge resources at their disposal, who frequently do not use them for nutritional purposes or even destroy reserves. This confirms that globalization makes us feel closer but does not establish fraternity .55 This is why it is necessary to rediscover those values engraved on the heart of every person that have always inspired their action: the sentiment of compassion and of humanity for others, the duty of solidarity, and the commitment to justice must return...